What started as two friends tossing a frisbee across a tennis court in Chicago is now an official trademarked sport with its own scoring system, custom equipment, and a growing online following — all rooted in Owensboro.
The game is called Tizbee, a mashup of “tennis” and “frisbee,” and its creators are hoping it becomes the next big thing in backyard and beach sports. Local entrepreneurs Timmy Barron and Leland Herzog, along with their third partner Andrew Thorp, are blending playfulness and strategy with a retro marketing aesthetic to build not just a game, but a brand.
“It started as something silly for cardio,” Barron said, recalling the original version played with a standard frisbee and no net. “We just made it up one day and kept coming back to play. Over time, it grew into something way more competitive — and fun.”
Herzog helped evolve the gameplay by suggesting a raised net with a center gap, creating what’s now a signature feature of Tizbee. The net, which is currently in its second prototype stage, creates a “zlit shot” scoring zone: if the disc flies cleanly through the center and isn’t returned, it earns double points.
That flair for branding and tongue-in-cheek humor runs through every aspect of the game — from calling the court zones “floppies” (a nod to floppy disks) to a growing series of pun-filled tutorial videos. The name Tizbee itself feels like it could’ve come from an ’80s toy commercial — and that’s the point.
“We leaned into the retro vibe hard,” Barron said. “The videos, the music, even the logos — it’s all meant to make you smile. If you’re not having fun, you’re not playing it right.”
Despite its lighthearted tone, Tizbee has serious momentum. The trio has trademarked the name, copyrighted the rules, and is currently developing a standalone product that can be set up on grass or sand, no tennis court required. They’re in talks with manufacturers and expect to launch pre-orders later this year.
The game uses a hybrid disc — something between a disc golf putter and a traditional frisbee — which stays in the air longer, making it beginner-friendly while still providing a challenge for more athletic players. Early testers have included everyone from disc golfers to full families, and feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’re trying to build a game that anyone can pick up but also has depth and replayability,” Herzog said. “And as we refine it, we’re seeing real potential — not just as a product, but as a sport.”
The team has already begun crafting a broader vision that includes live tournaments, league play, and broadcast content. Two full-length Tizbee matches — with commentary by Barron and Thorp — are now online, leaning heavily into a blend of comedy, character, and competition.
“We’re taking cues from things like old-school wrestling and the Savannah Bananas,” Barron said. “We want to put on a show. You come for the game, but stay for the entertainment.”
The team has even formed a “Secret Group of Champions,” a Facebook community where players are invited to join, but can only stay if they’ve played a full game within the last 30 days. The invite-only concept adds a bit of mystique to the growing movement while encouraging participation and feedback. Secret invites can be found through the sign-up form on their website.
Tizbee is officially registered as an LLC in Kentucky, and while its creators never expected to return to Owensboro — let alone launch a business there — it’s now the headquarters of a dream they’ve spent the last few years crafting.
And though monetization is a goal, right now the team’s focus is simple: get more people playing.
“We’re inviting the world to watch us build a sport in real time,” Barron said. “Whether you’re into sports, comedy, product design, or just love a good pun, there’s something here for you.”
To learn more, sign up for updates, or watch gameplay videos, visit www.tizbee.com.
